John Lannan out six to eight weeks for Phillies

Phillies need a fifth starter after losing Lannan

How is that Vance Worley trade looking now? Ben Revere, who was dealt to the Phillies for the Vanimal, is hitting below the Mendoza line.

John Lannan, Worley's replacement in the rotation, could be out six to eight weeks with a strained left quadriceps tendon in his knee.

Bad news for the Phillies since Lannan, who injured his knee during his start against the Reds, pitched well in his first two outings. Lannan (0-1, 6.14 ERA) had hoped the injury was minor.

"I know John was upset about it," Ruben Amaro said. "It's a fairly serious injury. There's not much you can do about it, but rehab it and come back as soon as possible. We want to be cautious about him pushing it and having him rupture it."

Amaro indicated that a relief pitcher is likely to be called up Friday. Then the Phillies would make another move Sunday. Amaro noted that a farmhand could make Lannan's next start.

The smart money is on Tyler Cloyd to return as the fifth starter. Cloyd was uneven during his starts with the fading Phillies last September. However, he has major league experience.

Raul Valdes is also an option to make the start out of the bullpen. Adam Morgan pitched Thursday for the IronPigs, which would mean he would start on short rest, which the Phillies won't allow.

The Phillies host St. Louis for three games this weekend (Friday, 7:05 p.m.; Saturday, 7:05; Sunday, 8:05). The finale is the Phanatic's birthday. Fans that come early can sign a birthday card.